Author: sobrien

Central Astoria announces full summer lineup in Astoria Park despite Great Lawn closure

May 15, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition has announced a full schedule of free summer programming, including fireworks, concerts, and outdoor movie nights— despite ongoing renovations that have rendered Astoria Park’s iconic Great Lawn inaccessible. Central Astoria, a long-standing nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enriching the Astoria community, will kick… Read more »

State Sen. Gonzalez lauds budget for cost-of-living measures but says bold action is still needed

State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez speaks in the State Senate. Photo courtesy of office of State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez.

May 14, 2025 By Shane O’Brien State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez touted a number of measures introduced in the recently-approved state budget that will help working families combat inflation but said the budget could have been “bolder” in its efforts to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Gonzalez, who represents areas in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, lauded the… Read more »

Astoria street co-named for Elizabeth White Marcum, mother of former Council Member Van Bramer

May 12, 2025 By Shane O’Brien A number of elected officials and community advocates gathered in Astoria Sunday for a street co-naming in honor of former Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer’s late mother, Elizabeth White Marcum. Attorney-General Letitia James, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, Council Member Tiffany Cabán and Assembly Members Jessica González-Rojas and… Read more »

Astoria bakery debuts Pope Leo Cookie to celebrate first American pope

La Guli Bakery's new Pope Leo Cookie (right) and former Pope Francis Cookie (left). Photo: Shane O'Brien

May 9, 2025 By Shane O’Brien An Astoria pastry shop has introduced a “Pope Leo Cookie”, complete with a picture of Pope Leo XIV, in honor of the election of the first-ever American pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected Pope Leo XIV at the Papal Conclave on Thursday, becoming the first US-born pope… Read more »